FRIDAY

>> Local short films makes their debut

Local filmmakers will be in the spotlight Friday at the Ohina Short Film Showcase, which premieres five films . This year’s movies are “Hae Hawai’i,” “The Thief,” “Kalewa,” pictured, “Last Taxi Dance,” “Mauka to Makai” and “The Moon and the Night.”

“These are world premieres,” said Gerard Elmore, executive director of Ohina. “They haven’t been seen anywhere else.”

This year‘s films represent a second generation of the showcase. Rather than accepting films directly from filmmakers, Ohina asked filmmakers chosen for the 2017 showcase to submit ideas for films, which were then workshopped with Joe Robert Cole, screenwriter of this year’s smash hit “Black Panther.”

Cole himself took a special interest in “Mauka to Makai,” by Alika Maikau and Jonah Okano, providing funding and guidance himself, Elmore said. The film tells a story involving drug dealers in Kaneohe and their relationships.

Ohina, which was founded 19 years ago to promote filmmaking in Hawaii, funded Mitchel Viernes’ “Kalewa,” a science-fiction film that also deals with family relationships. “It’s about a man remembering his father as he is on this other planet on another mission,” Elmore said.

Filmmakers will be on hand to provide comment and get feedback on their projects.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

>> Watercolor society displays its talent

Get an extra blast of art this weekend in Chinatown and the Honolulu Arts District, with First Friday activities today and an art event at Sun Yat Sen Park on Saturday.

Today will be in especially good time to pick up a nice painting for your home or office. The Hawaii Watercolor Society will be holding its annual “Little Picture Show,” featuring about 150 paintings by 30 of its members, at The Arts at Marks Garage . The artists will be on hand to discuss their work at a reception, Friday, 5 to 9:30 p.m.

First Friday also marks the opening of a new exhibit, “Men,” at the Hawaii State Art Museum. The exhibit of depictions of men counters the common practice of using women as subject matter.

Featured artists include Satoru Abe, Bumpei Akaji, Carol Bennett, Jean Charlot, Margaret Ezekiel, Francis Haar, Louis Pohl, Brian Sato, Dietrich Varez, Paul Weissman, Gwen Whitney and Kaina Young. A reception for the exhibit will be held Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

On Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the ongoing effort to protect Sun Yat Sen Park and turn it into an art space continues with the “Celebrate the Arts Festival.” The park’s crumbling, defunct pump house, which the city eventually promises to remove, will be repainted in bright colors by artist Sergio Garzon, a contributer to Pow! Wow! Hawaii, in what’s being called the “Mystery Mural Pump House Challenge.” Waipahu High students and other volunteers — perhaps you — will chip in.

Visitors can create their own artwork on Saturday with the help of Creative Arts Experience, learn about printmaking from Honolulu Printmakers and enjoy the work of artists Ken Kang, Philip Markwart, Imai Kalahele, Sam Ahai and Roy Venters. Kumu Kanani Oliveira’s Wahiawa Hula Studio II, the jazz combo ESD: Every Single Day, and traditional Hawaiian duo Maikapu‘uwai will provide entertainment.

FRIDAY-SATURDAY

>> The Green Room Festival returns to the Waikiki Shell

The Green Room Festival, an art and music event that celebrates ocean and beach culture, returns to the Waikiki Shell with an international cast of artists.

The two-day festival is the brainchild of Japanese entrepreneur Naoki Kamayachi, who runs similar festivals in Japan. This year’s festival divides the evenings between East and West. Taking the stage Friday beginning at 5 p.m. will be local musicians Makua Rothman, Mike Love and Anuhea, and Australian band The Babe Rainbow, leading up to headliner Allah-Las, an L.A. band whose sound recalls 1960s acid rock and surf rock.

Saturday’s musical bill features Japanese artists, with hip-hop band Ketsumeishi returning as headliner.

You might also want to check out Kayama Yuzo, an 81-year-old rock legend in Japan who met the Beatles and played with Perry Como and PlacidoDomingo. Suga Shikao, who has composed songs for popular manga, opens the evening’s entertainment at 6:15 p.m.

Featured visual artists include Heather Brown, Christie Shinn, Nick Kuchar, Kris Goto, Bree Poort, Eduardo Bolioli, Kat Reeder and Saitaku Aoyama.

Yoga enthusiasts should bring their mats to join in on the fun. Friday at 5:30 p.m. and at 7:40 p.m., a session will be held on the lawn area of the Shell, and at 7 p.m. Saturday there will be a session that will combine yoga with a “silent disco,” whereparticipants listen to music through headsets while being led by yoga instructor Suzanne Sasaki.

SATURDAY

>> Sierra Club celebrates 50 years of environmentalism

Celebrate 50 years of environmentalism in Hawaii with the Sierra Club at Kualoa Ranch on Saturday.

Visitors can enjoy top-notch entertainment – soul singer Paula Fuga and ukulele virtuoso Taimane – and graze at food stations provisioned by noted chefs Ed Kenney of Town Restaurant, Lee Anne Wong of Koko Head Cafe, Mark Noguchi of thePili Group, Anicea Campanale and Hailey Berkey of The Nook and Mama T of Umeke Market.

There will also be a silent auction.

VIP ticket buyers can catch a ride to the event, where they’ll have the opportunity to meet Sierra Club national executive director Michael Brune. Special packages for tables are also available.

In its 50 years in Hawaii, the Sierra Club has been involved in conservation activities including recycling programs, the development of hiking trails and educational programs for youth.